Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has welcomed a new member of the chaplaincy team.
Catholic priest, Father Andrew Dawson, was a school chaplain before making the move to a hospital setting.
Andrew worked at Our Lady’s Catholic College in Lancaster for many years after a background in supporting adults.
He said: “Working in a hospital is very different to working in a school. My work here is very sacramental; I work in areas such as the High Dependency Unit and Care of the Elderly Wards.”
Andrew was ordained nine years ago after many years of learning and training. He worked with children who have learning difficulties and support needs.
Originally from Hertfordshire, he moved to Lancashire to study at Lancaster University and working in Preston.
Andrew said: “I love living in Lancashire, it really does feel like home.
“My role at The Trust is very important. I visit patients who are in need of support and who are presented with very difficult life challenges.
“I also work closely with patient’s relatives who are also in need of support to come to terms with potentially life changing decisions.
“It is important for people to know that they are not on their own if they are in hospital- there is always someone to talk to. Everyone has a place of belonging.
“The team here are great and I feel privileged to be part of it”.
Fr Andrew works at the Trust 14 hours a week, his days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm.
He celebrates Mass each Monday afternoon in the Hospital Chapel at 4.00pm. All staff and patients are welcome to attend.